AIRDRIE PUBLIC OBSERVATORY REFURBISHMENT PAGE
 
TELESCOPE REFURBISHMENT - LATEST :
 

The Cooke 6" Refracting TelescopeOn 7 March 2009, the Cooke 6" Refracting Telescope was dismantled and removed from Airdrie Public Observatory for its long awaited refurbishment.
This is the first time in 84 years that the telescope has left the building.

The Works will include maintenance to its clockwork drive, mount, optics, etc.

The entire project forms part of a greater project of refurbishment that will see the existing fibre-glass dome and electric drive removed and replaced with a new Wooden / metal clad dome and mechanical / manual dome drive.

The roof of the entire Library will be replaced. At completion, the Observatory will have been refurbished to it's formar Edwardian splendour. The work is being funded and supported by Heritage Scotland, North Lanarkshire Council and The National Lottery.
Airdrie Astronomical Association look forward to seeing the Cooke Returned to the Observatory upon completion of the Re-roofing works in time for the winter observing season late summer / Autumn 2009.
For an update on the Refurbishment, please attend our public meeting held in Airdrie Arts Centre on 18th May 2009 where Mr Bill Ward will present the latest update. Please see our programme page for more details.


 
GALLERY OF REMOVALS:
 

 

Cooke in a box
Where's the Telescope?
Even More Cooke In A Box
Bits and Pieces
The Cooke Leaves the Observatory
Cooke Packed for Transport

 

 

FREE TOURS FOR INTERESTED GROUPS:
 
Is your group or society interested in a free visit to the observatory? Perhaps you would like Airdrie Astronomical Association (A.A.A) to visit you where we would be happy to present a lecture or workshop on the subject of Spaceflight and Astronomy?

Please contact either Mr Paul Clark (Observatory Curator) or Mr Arthur Bannister (Branch Chairman) or Aileen Malone (Branch Secretary) to make the necessary arrangements.

 

 
Airdrie Public LibraryThe Observatory Dome from the outside. (Prior to refurbishment) The Cooke 6" Refracting Telescope (Prior to refurbishment)
 
VISITING THE OBSERVATORY:
 
Visits to the Observatory can be arranged in two ways.1. The observatory is open to the public every Friday evening and will be used (subject to clear weather conditions). Please contact Paul Clark (Observatory Curator) or alternatively come along to one of A.A.A's Friday meetings held in Airdrie Arts Centre (map and directions) between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.

 

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